Sedona Hawaii previews new holiday gift offerings

Most locals know longtime store Sedona Hawaii in Ward Center as one of Oahu’s most popular –if not THE most popular- shops for all things metaphysical. Crystals, power stones, feng shui tools, and psychic readings are what I have long associated with it.

Many might not realize, however, that it’s changed over the last 28 years to now include a broader theme. “We’ve moved outside the metaphysical box to become a positive, conscious-living store. We’ve had a paradigm shift in our business model,” says founder and owner Malia Johnson.

Sedona Hawaii owner Malia Johnson

It started three years ago when Sedona moved into a larger space in Ward Center, in order to grow. “We now serve the whole family- including the dog! We have children’s books, toys, and clothing,” she tells me, gesturing to a corner of the store near the entrance.

Johnson, the store’s buyer, selects items that are sustainable and from small artists. She searches the world for unique items, but gives preference to merchandise made in America. “I also go to great lengths to find affordable items. Did you know we have things for sale here for just 50 cents?” she adds.

Media event, with macarons and cupcakes by Kaka`ako newcomer Flour+Butter!

My daughter and I attended a recent event, designed to show off the latest items Johnson sourced from buying trips in New York and Las Vegas. The table is chock full of adorable new artisanal gifts, including bath and body care, jewelry, trendy adult coloring books and journals, and our favorite– unicorn and cat accessories!

Lee Ann Kong, store supervisor, holds up some clothing items for me. “These are all organic,” she says. A pretty green Soul Flower yoga shirt calls out to this yoga mama.

Soul Flower Peace Buddha t-shirt

Kong pulls out a blue Tangerine Temple sweater as another example of the store’s high priority on sustainability. That vendor, she backgrounds, works closely with families and small factories to ensure the safety, fair payment and fair treatment of its workers.

Tangerine Temple sweater

Another small business product is the Aloha Elixir collection by Honolulu resident Keoki Tavares. “His collection of candles, cleansing salts, and room sprays just fly out the door,” she enthuses. Tavares’ website, www.alohaelixir.com, describes the products as “powerful tools that assist you in tapping into your higher self to facilitate positive change.”

Aloha Elixir salt blend

What my nine-year-old daughter and I loved most, though, and bought, were the cutesy items: a heat-sensitive unicorn mug, whose mane goes from purple to rainbow-colored when filled with a hot beverage; and animals ear clip-ons by Kritter Klips. Olivia LOVES them. I have asked to borrow them!

Kritter Klips animal ear clipsUnicorn color-changing mug

“I have always wanted to make shopping a fun, interesting, experience. Call it ‘shopping entertainment,’” Johnson says. If our trip was any indication, she sure has succeeded!